Marseille's Barton: I only joined QPR for money

New Hoops' manager Harry Redknapp has a reputation for kick-starting the careers of football's troubled souls - but Barton has burnt all of his bridges at Loftus Road and his year-long loan to Marseille contains no call-back option.

Barton told the People: "When I went to QPR it was a choice dictated by money. I didn't like what I had done, and I swore I'd never do that again.

"It was the first time in my life that I had taken a decision for money. I did it because my partner was due to give birth - but I did not feel good about it."

Bad-boy Barton said: "The more money you have, the more problems you have. When I was in prison I got £7 a week, and that was simpler - you'd use the £7 to buy food and that was it."